What’s Happening at the Library: Ron Kibbey’s comedy classics
Comedy classics Ron Kibbey picked to show during the 2019 ASRP and his introductions (in costume) were so popular and appreciated attendees demanded the library continue the series.
So, Ron’s back after an August break.
This month the program will start with a Betty Boop cartoon. Then Ron will introduce two Laurel & Hardy shorts: “The Music Box” and “Another Fine Mess.”
In “The Music Box,” a woman orders a player piano as a surprise birthday gift for her husband and asks the manager to have it delivered to 1127 Walnut Ave. He hires the Laurel and Hardy Transfer Company to deliver the piano.
1127 Walnut Ave. is at the top of a precipitous set of stairs. Mayhem ensues.
“The Music Box” won the Academy Award in 1932 for best comedy short.
In “Another Fine Mess,” Olie and Stan are vagabonds chased by the police. They hide in the cellar of Col. Wilburforce Buckshot’s mansion.
Surrounded by police, the boys deceive a honeymooning couple renting the house into believing Ollie is Buckshot and Stan is both Hives the butler and Agnes the chambermaid.
The movie’s most memorable scene is a girl-talk conversation between Thelma Todd as Lady Plumtree and Stan as Agnes the maid. That in itself would be worth the price of admission … but these films are free and open to the public, so there is no price of admission. Ya can’t beat that!
Ron Kibbey’s comedy classic films and cartoons are fun the whole family can enjoy. All ages are invited, but children younger than 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
The merriment begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Popcorn and soft drinks, too. You’ll have a swell time.
September is traditionally Agatha Christie month for Book Lunch, and this year, the posse reads “The 4:50 from Paddington.”
Elspeth McGillicuddy takes the 4:50 from Paddington to visit her old friend Jane Marple. Watching another train pass on a parallel track, she sees a compartment blind fly up to reveal a murder in progress.
Railway employees don’t believe Mrs. McGullicuddy. No body is found along the tracks.
Knowing her friend is honest and observant, Miss Marple sets out to find the body and the murderer.
Trains, an English manor house, eccentric Crackenthorpes and Lucy Eyelesbarrow, Miss Marple’s smart, efficient and feisty young female sidekick make up the cast of this Christie classic.
You’ve seen the BBC Hickson and ITV McEwan versions … the novel’s better.
Agatha Christie novels are out sold only by the Bible and Shakespeare’s plays. Her Book Lunch sessions are big fun. Books are available at the circulation desk or bring your own favorite edition. Register to attend by Tuesday.
Other programs this week:
— At 2 p.m. Monday, chair yoga taught by Kathy Howard, a certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance. There is a $5 charge per class.
— At 2 p.m. Wednesday, Kentucky Picture Show presents a 1975 comedy that tickle you pink. Inspector Clouseau investigates the theft of the Pink Panther diamond.
— At 7 p.m. Wednesday, strombolis cool while Engine House diners muse over answers to Jeff Gurnee’s Trivia Challenges.
— At 9:15 a.m. Thursday, gentle yoga taught by Kathy Howard, a certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance. There is a $5 charge per class.
— At 10 a.m. Friday, Write Local. Tolkien wrote: tales “grow in the telling.” Grow your story at Write Local.
— From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Outside the Lines Adult Coloring. Get colorful for the Autumnal Equinox at the library.
John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.